Flag flap

The mayors of Richmond Hill and Markham are fending off a flag flap that unfurled this week over their celebration of China’s National Day.
Markham’s Frank Scarpitti and Richmond Hill’s Dave Barrow are defending a decision to raise the flag for the People’s Republic of China on municipal property in the wake of criticism by some Chinese ex-pats.
“We celebrate a lot of flag raisings in recognition of the diversity that makes up our city,” Mr. Scarpitti said in an interview today. “It’s a symbol of respect for those who come here from that part of the world.”
The two municipalities held ceremonies recently to recognize the Oct. 1 public holiday of the People’s Republic of China.
Mr. Barrow called it a gesture of goodwill “in recognition of a country which 45,000 of our residents call their homeland”.
But some Chinese-Canadians disagreed, saying local municipalities should not wade into international politics by raising the flag for a communist regime.
They sent letters to local, provincial and federal politicians and started a petition in an attempt to cancel ceremonies.
“We must never forget this is the same party, the same people, who slaughtered thousands of students in Tiananmen Square,” said Richmond Hill’s Zhuofu Li, who immigrated from that country 20 years ago.
“The problem is, our politicians seem to forget who they’re dealing with. They want to turn their eyes blindly to it, and say let’s just do business, let’s just be friends. I’m not against China. How can you forget your heritage? But I draw the line on the current regime, which is communist.”
Mr. Scarpitti, who travelled to China in 2008, said he has seen signs of progress in a country that has been criticized for human rights violations.
He plans to return in November with three other mayors and the deputy mayor of Vaughan in partnership with Confederation of Greater Toronto Chinese Business Association.
“There are changes taking place,” he said, adding that some people joke about China being more capitalistic than North America. “It may not move fast enough for some people...but as time goes on, and China has to deal with the international community, progress hopefully continues.”
The McGuinty government announced this morning the premier’s fourth trade mission to China is set for January. It will include Markham-Unionville MPP Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, and meetings with key Chinese government decision-makers and leaders in the business community.
China is Ontario’s and Canada’s second-largest trading partner in the world.
Those who object to the flag raising, however, also object to efforts by the People’s Republic to “court” Canadian politicians.
“A lot of people go there and they’re treated like kings, then come back and think differently...become part of the extension of the communist party,” said Janet Qi, a Richmond Hill resident who said her mother was persecuted and jailed in China in 2000. “Many come to Canada for freedom from oppression and to see the mayor or politicians become allies of foreign country, that’s not good.”
The petition, with about 200 signatures, said the majority of ex-pats in Richmond Hill and Markham are from Hong Kong, which is undergoing its own struggle to fend off erosion of rights.
“We applaud your intention to recognize local Chinese Canadians who contribute to the vitality and prosperity of Canada,” the petition states. “We are not against having trade relations with Chinese businesses, but importing the corruption and repressive ideology and putting all Markham and Richmond Hill residents under the shadow of a totalitarian regime is just too much.”
Jane Pang, a resident of Markham, said the flag, with its large star surrounded by smaller ones, symbolizes the leadership of the communist party, something she said local councillors may not know.
“This is not an endorsement of one system, not by any stretch of the imagination,” said Mr. Scarpitti. “As with any country, there are always going to be some issues ... Yes this is a symbol in one respect, but it’s also a symbol of part of the world that many residents come from and this is an effort to help us remember that.”
Mr. Barrow agreed. “I don’t think acknowledging a country with a different type of government than we have is the issue.”
Many came to Canada for its freedom and an ability to express their opinions, which is what they are doing in this situation, he said.
“I don’t think we’ve done anything wrong as a municipality.”
Bryon Wilfert, a municipal councillor in Richmond Hill for 12 years, former president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and one-time Liberal MP, thinks the best approach is to just say no.
The reaction of residents is understandable, he said, and the safest route would be for the town not to fly flags from any other countries.
Municipalities should stick with flags representing local organizations, he said, rather than venture into the controversial realm of international politics.